Two Dolls, Two Blue Ribbons: Brenda Mize Dolls at The Big E
Sometimes you receive news that makes you stop, smile—and then read it again just to make sure you saw it correctly.
This was one of those times.
For the first time, I entered two of my handcrafted porcelain dolls in the Eastern States Exposition—better known throughout New England as The Big E—in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
I am absolutely thrilled to share the results:
Both dolls received Blue Ribbons in the Designer Craftsman competition!
Two dolls entered.
Two Blue Ribbons.
And perhaps what makes the results even more fun is that I could hardly have chosen two dolls more different from one another.
Honorine – Stitches of Liberty
Many of you have watched Honorine come to life as part of a very special project for 2026.
She was created in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and was inspired by the women and needleworkers of early America.
I wanted Honorine to feel quietly historical rather than overly patriotic. Her costume combines a deep indigo bodice with an antique-red ticking skirt, ivory lace and carefully chosen details that give her the feeling of another time.
In her hands she holds a tiny embroidery hoop containing an early American flag design—a small detail that helps tell her story without overpowering her.
From selecting fabrics that were appropriately scaled for an 11-inch doll to deciding upon the tiniest details of her costume, Honorine was very much a labor of love.
And now she is a 2026 Big E Blue Ribbon winner in Designer Craftsman – Handcrafted Dolls.
I couldn't be more delighted.
And Then There Is Karrlyn...
If Honorine is quiet and thoughtful, Karrlyn the Witch is quite another story!
Karrlyn is one of my 2026 Halloween witches and continues a Brenda Mize Dolls tradition that is now in its eighth year.
With her wonderfully dramatic black witch's hat, bright chartreuse accents, Halloween-print dress and fiery red hair, Karrlyn was never intended to be subtle.
And of course, every proper little witch needs her accessories.
Karrlyn arrived at The Big E complete with her broom, wand and tiny Book of Shadows.
She received a Blue Ribbon, too!
I have to admit that I love the fact that these were the two dolls that received the ribbons.
One is historically inspired, restrained and reflective.
The other is colorful, whimsical and just a little bit mischievous.
Yet both began the same way—with porcelain, paint, fabric, a collection of tiny details and an idea of the little personality I hoped would eventually emerge.
More Than Ten Years of Making Dolls
I've been creating my porcelain dolls for more than a decade now, and even after all these years, there is still something rather magical about watching one develop.
Each begins long before she has a name or a dress.
I pour the porcelain, prepare and fire the pieces, paint the face by hand, assemble the doll and gradually begin creating the character she will become.
No two faces are exactly alike.
No two finished dolls are exactly alike.
And sometimes a doll surprises even me.
I've been very fortunate to have my work recognized with awards over the years, including DOLLS Magazine Awards of Excellence. But entering The Big E was a completely new experience for me.
That made these two little blue ribbons especially exciting.
Five Entries and One Unforgettable Big E
There was another surprise waiting for me this year.
Along with Honorine and Karrlyn, I entered three pieces of my Cinnamon Rose Pottery in The Big E's Fine Arts competition.
All three of those pieces received Blue Ribbons as well.
That means my very first year entering The Big E resulted in:
Five entries. Five Blue Ribbons.
Two for my handcrafted porcelain dolls and three for my pottery.
I don't think I could have imagined that result when I decided to enter.
Why These Ribbons Mean So Much
Awards are certainly exciting, but what I treasure most about making dolls hasn't changed.
It's knowing that something that began as an idea at my worktable eventually becomes a finished doll with her own expression, clothing, personality and story—and perhaps, eventually, becomes part of someone's treasured collection.
Honorine and Karrlyn represent two very different sides of what I love about dollmaking.
Honorine allowed me to explore history, beautiful fabrics and quiet symbolism.
Karrlyn allowed me to have fun with color, fantasy and a little Halloween mischief.
And now both will forever have something else in common:
They're Big E Blue Ribbon winners.
I'm incredibly grateful for the recognition—and perhaps just a little bit proud of these two girls.
Thank you to everyone who continues to follow my dollmaking journey, whether you've been here for years or have only recently discovered Brenda Mize Dolls.
There are still many more dolls—and many more stories—waiting to be created.
Until next time,
Brenda
Brenda Mize Dolls
